Joining the rest of the world, senior citizens of the state observed the International Day of Older Persons through functions spread across the state. The main function in Kohima began with a ‘Walkathon” which was followed by the formal function held at ‘The Heritage’ under the theme “Health care for senior citizens” here today.
The function was jointly organized by the department of social welfare, heath & family welfare and Nagaland Senior Citizens Forum (NSCF). The function was also marked by conferment of awards to senior citizens.
Parliamentary secretary for Housing, Labour & Employment, Er. Saku Aier who graced the occasion as chief guest formally flagged off the Walkathon at the Old MLA Hostel junction at 7 am and later addressed the state level function.
In his speech Aier stressed on the need to care for the senior citizens and provide various welfare activities for them.
Aier stated that when people grow old, society gradually neglect them as they no longer were able to be as useful.
He said in such a state, the older citizens become lonely and frustrated. Er Aier thanked the state government for granting 50% concession in medical treatment at government hospitals for senior citizens .
He also expressed the hope that similar concessions would be given government owned state transport . Er Aier also said there was need to have a resort for senior citizens to get together with old friends.
In this regard, he requested the social welfare department to find out means for establishing such recreational and day care centers for senior citizen where they could interact with those needing valuable experienced inputs.
He also revealed that under the India Gandhi National Old Age Pension scheme, altogether 46,483 senior citizens are presently provided with the Old Age Pension whereas there are an estimated 1.5 lakh senior citizens and many are not covered by the scheme and are deprived of their rights where there should not be any discrimination. “It is therefore necessary that the department should take up the issue with the Ministry to provide the Old Age Pension to all the eligible senior citizens and recognized them equally,” he said.
Speaking on the theme ‘Health care for Senior Citizen’ Deputy Director, Health & Family Welfare Dr. Kika pointed out that growing old was a normal, inevitable biological and unstoppable phenomenon but ageing could be slowed provided one took regular medical check-ups and engage in health practices.Being active and involved with people also helps in preventing ill affects of loneliness he said.
Dr Kika also felt that senior citizens could still play important role in documentation, preservation and conservation of history, customs and practices which were passed down through oral tradition.
NSCF president H.Hesso spoke on the significance of the International Day of Older Persons.
On the occasion, two senior citizens, Mrs Lhusi Haralu and Wezulhi C. Krome were conferred with distinguished senior citizens award.
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